Migrant-Native Disparities in Obstetric Neuraxial Analgesia Use: The Role of Host-Country Language Proficiency

Abstract

(Anesth Analg. 2023;137(4):870–881) Neuraxial analgesia (NA) is highly effective for labor pain relief, but its use varies among countries and is influenced by factors like ethnicity and region of origin. This study investigated how language proficiency affected NA utilization and satisfaction with labor pain management in migrant women compared to native women. Data came from the baMBINO study in Portuguese public hospitals, including migrant and native women. The study involved interviews conducted in various languages and excluded certain cases, resulting in a sample of 3697 women with singleton vaginal deliveries. This research aimed to explore the impact of language barriers on disparities in labor pain management.